Sound bites from state and federal regulators.
Gas Franchise Rights. North Carolina adopts new rules on gas service expansion under a 1995 state law forcing incumbent gas distributors to forfeit exclusive franchise rights in unserved territory in certain cases, but allows a two-year grace period if the utility can show a commitment to build plant needed to reach unserved areas. Docket No. G-100, Sub 70, Mar. 19, 1996 (N.C.U.C.).
Firm vs. Interruptible. Idaho OK's proposal by Washington Water Power Co. to abandon firm gas-transportation service and offer all transport at interruptible rates, agreeing that firm service "no longer makes sense," given other available options. Case No. WWP-G-96-1, Order No. 26368, Mar. 8, 1996 (Idaho P.U.C.).
Planning vs. Competition. New Mexico opens docket to explore electric utility restructuring, having declined to move forward on integrated resource planning (IRP) after parties voiced concern that "a codified and comprehensive" IRP rule might conflict with emerging competition. Case No. 2383, Mar. 5, 1996 (N.M.P.U.C.).
Water Hook-up Fees. Idaho Supreme Court overturns rate-case order that allowed Boise Water Corp. to allocate higher hookup fees to new customers to recover costs for new treatment facilities required under the Safe Drinking Water Act, debunking "flawed idea" that only new customers are responsible for increased resource demand. No. 21714, Mar. 5, 1996 (Idaho).
Labor Relations. Virginia says United Mine Workers of America lacks standing to challenge move by electric utility to buy coal from a nonunion supplier, as union fails to qualify as an "aggrieved party" under state law. Case No. PUE950121, Feb. 6, 1996 (Va.S.C.C.). t